Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno was excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take all your wet gear if you go in May, and some warm clothing. The Azores are very 'green' for a reason!
Reviews
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Reviews
Sunshine, rain and an earthquake in the Azores
The weather wasn’t very kind to us but we did get out walking on all the days.
Bruno our guide was very good. His knowledge of the islands was excellent and he made every effort to tailor the walks to the group. He also adapted the program when we were unable to visit Sao Jorge because of the earthquake.
Loved the botanical gardens and Lagoa do Fogo (although it was difficult to sit by the lake for very long because of the biting wind). I found the islands we visited very interesting.
I didn’t go whale watching in Horta, instead went to the whaling museum (Porto Pim Whaling) and did the circular walk on the hill (Monte da Guia) behind it. Both were excellent alternatives.
The food was very good and the hotels and various restaurants. The accommodation in Ponta Delgada was very good and an excellent location.
Intense, fun, camaraderie, breathtaking
First trip to mountains post Covid. Marrakech was sweltering, mountains were sunny and windy, summit was chilly and bright. Really fun and interesting and supportive group with a wide age range and great guides. We had a shared endeavour and though it involved two very long days of walking, and not a lot of sleep, it was a great feeling of satisfaction to have made it to the top and back again, all of us. I chose the “long weekend” due to shortage of leave from work. For me, it was a bit too short and I would have liked to spend longer there to take in the spectacle and watch the High Atlas mountain light.
Most Inspirational Moment
A couple of moments: firstly the feeling of elation when we got to the summit and had that incredible 360 degrees view. The sun was shining and we could see all the way we had come. Second, was sitting with sore legs early the following morning on the terrace of the guesthouse looking up towards the summit in the far distance way above the treeline, and thinking, "well, this time yesterday morning, I was right up there!" and knowing I had done it and could now relax and enjoy the sun coming up and warming the valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Youssef, our main guide, was brilliant. Very patient with lots of positive psychology. Excellent English. Fab sense of humour. Also very knowledgeable about the birds. Felt very safe with him leading the group. Lahsen was our second guide and also excellent. He worked seamlessly with Youssef to make sure we all went up and down safely and in good spirits. Both Youssef and Lahsen knew the mountain extremely well and were very adaptable to our needs, as well as kind and fun to be with.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It depends when you do the trip, but in May, it was definitely worth having warm gloves and a hat for the early morning climb to the summit and layers to remove down to lighter clothes for the descent into the valley. The temperature range was staggering. Marrakech was 40+ and the top of Toubkal was freezing. I'd also really recommend poles if you have them as there is a lot of 'down' on summit day. Drink lots of water. It was quite windy for us, so secure your hat or scarf. And take spare batteries for your head torch. Oh and enjoy the orange juice.
Excellent trip
Excellent holiday. Michela was a very good guide, the best I’ve had from Exodus. I learned a lot of Italian! The walks are a suitable length and great scenery. On my free day I walked to Sestri Levante from the hotel in Moneglia, this 10 mile walk was much more remote than the group ones with amazing views. I would recommend the holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
All walks were great
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michela Wicks was a fantastic leader. Organised, friendly, helpful and fun to be with. The whole trip was seamless.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t get the pork in the included dinner at the hotel, it was really bad! Walking to Sestri Levante on the day off was a really good walk in terms of views and paths.
Beyond the beach
This is proof that The Costa Blanca has far more to offer than beer, chips and turning pink on the beach!
About an hour or so drive Inland from Alicante, the Sierra de Aitana rises to heights greater than Ben Nevis.
The treks are based around the Hostal Rincon De Pepe, and from there a minibus links up with the start and finish of each hike. The trek is graded as moderate to challenging, but be aware that the climbs and descents are often very steep and over loose scree. it can also be extremely hot and dry throughout the day.
Each trek has been developed to give a different aspect of the Aitana massif so no two days will be the same.
Breakfasts and packed lunches are provided……And the evening meals are all home cooked Spanish specialities!
Most Inspirational Moment
Spotting a family of Wild Boar racing uphill on the opposite side of the valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose has extensive knowledge of the Aitana region and has been responsible for developing treks in the area. He works with the mapmaking authorities and is involved with the initiation and upkeep of trekking routes. He is passionate about his role as a guide and he exudes enthusiasm for the flora and fauna of the mountains.
Advice for Potential Travellers
An eye-opening experience for anyone who enjoys the mountains.....But remember to bring your drinking water bottle!
A Very Good Trip
The itinerary is well thought out and the pace was good. The beauty of Petra and peacefulness of Wadi Rum have to be experienced. No words can really describe them. Our group also got along very well. It was a pleasure to travel with them.
The side trips to Bethany, Little Petra, …etc. were all interesting. Maybe they should be part of the main itinerary.
Water was available on the bus but we were not always with the bus, e.g. when we were in Petra for 3 days. So we ended up buying a lot of bottled water.
Hotel in Amman was barely a 3 star hotel if one is kind. Since we spent 3 nights in Petra, it would be nice if the level of accommodation is slightly improved. It was not a problem for me but one has to set the right level of expectation.
Two activities that I would have liked to do but was unable to do so were:
1) night visit at Petra: there was no notice about it. When someone asked as we were approaching Petra, the guide mentioned if we were to go, we had to go that night because it was not offered every night. I couldn’t go with such short notice.
2) hot air ballon over the desert: I really wanted to do this and kept asking every day about booking it. The guide kept saying he couldn’t book until the day before. When he finally called, it was booked out 2 weeks from that day. I hope Exodus would offer this WAY AHEAD of the trip so the guests could book before the trip even began.
Most Inspirational Moment
See Petra between the gorges was amazing!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide Ayyad was personable, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
See above on night visit to Petra and hot air ballooning. Middle Easterners like to bargain so you can try bargaining for everything. In fact, you are expected to bargain! The plugs in the Bedouin camp are ONLY British 3 prong plugs, no European plugs. So bring converters if you are not from UK. Remember to bring your own towels for that night! I went diving at Aqaba instead of snorkeling. You can arrange it by yourself ahead of time and the diver shop personnel will meet you at the gate to the beach. Sadly, the coral life is much damaged by global warming but seeing the undersea cables to Egypt was cool. If you tip for any good service, give cash. A lot of the owners take the tips from the servers if they are on the credit card. Do go outside the hotel for meals. They are cheaper and tastier than the hotel food. Petra Museum is worth a visit. Dead Sea Museum is not worth it for the display but the view is amazing. Just remember Uber will take you up there but there is no Uber coming down. So negotiate the round trip before you go up.
A Wonderful Walking Holiday
This was a wonderful walking holiday, staying the week in a homely villa set on the hillside above Algamitas, used just by our group. The owners were friendly, and the chef served delightful meals every evening on the terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside. The area is varied, so the walks are different and generally easy going terrains, and provide great views and interest. Three of them started from the villa and three needed minibus trips. It was lovely to have the pool at the end of the day. The day trip to Seville was an interesting change where we were able to have a restaurant meal, experience flamenco, see the Alcazar and other sights, and sup the occasional beer. Our group was friendly and sociable and Michael, our guide provided the perfect amount of guidance, with superb local knowledge, a real polymath. Nothing seemed too much for Michael to ensure we felt safe, at home and well-provided for. I have done a number of Exodus walking holidays and would thoroughly recommend this one. I extended my trip to visit Granada, which was well worth it (but pre-book the Alhambra).
Most Inspirational Moment
Caminito del Rey walk, the national park, tapas at midday on the first day walk, the Alcazar and flamenco in Seville, dips in the pool, evening drinks and dinner on the sun-drenched terrace, learning from the guide and other holiday makers, and many other moments...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Superb - extremely knowledgeable about so many topics, including the history, geography, fauna and flora, geology, culture and arts. He provided a well-chosen list of recommendations of options for visits, activities, restaurants, view points and so on. He was friendly, supportive and professional, and not too intrusive.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Consider adding to your trip to visit another city or area. In the really hot weather, closed toe walking sandals might have been more comfortable than hiking boots.
Fantastic vacation!!
We had a great time hiking the Ligurian hills and the Cinque Terre towns. Michela was a great guide, she immediately became an integral part of our group with her gentle, yet thoughtful leadership. We had wonderful views, beautifully-maintained trails and a lot of laughs. Some of us raced ahead to explore all that nature had to offer while others meandered slowly taking pictures of everything. The trail options made our trip accessible to everyone in our group with all our varied walking and hiking abilities. We enjoyed exploring new towns everyday and trying our language skills with everyone we met.
Most Inspirational Moment
When the view of Portofino opened up before us on the hike from Santa Margherita.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was a great leader. She had a gentle, yet commanding way of keeping us together and taking care of our issues on the trail. She was a great friend and mentor, explaining about the area, the people, the customs and the way of life.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring hiking boots, poles, a rain jacket, water bottles and make sure you are in good hiking shape before you leave.
Great trip
Romania exceeded expectations – what a beautiful and varied country! Cristi was a great guide and all in all I would highly recommend this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved our stay in the mountains. So peaceful and all our guest house hosts were so hospitable
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great guide - friendly and efficient - sorted out any issues very quickly
Advice for Potential Travellers
One point - the trip notes described it as suitable for people with limited mobility - I would say def not - lots of steps and gravel paths.
Book this trip!
You must book this trek. I had about 2 years from the point of booking to departure and had read nearly all books on the market and scoured the internet for all available videos of the trek. None of which prepared me for the journey – in a good sense. I wasn’t sure how I would cope with the altitude, the basic tea houses or the food – all concerns of mine due to the fact I had never been on a trip like this before, but I was pleasantly surprised in each of these aspects. The Lodges are basic, but they are clean, comfortable and welcoming. The food selection is pretty broad, and you can enjoy Western staples such as pasta, pizza, potatoes and toasties if you wish, but do also try the local dishes like Mo Mos (dumplings) and Dal Bhat.
There were a few moments on the trek that I observed that confirmed I had made the right choice in going with a well-established ‘brand’ in Exodus. The organisation, contacts and professionalism of those involved meant that we felt fully prepared and most importantly, safe at every turn – Moreso than had I booked with a local, more independent company. These companies are perfectly fine, but I preferred the security and extensive knowledge Exodus was able to provide.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, seeing Everest in all her glory from the top of Kala Pattar was always going to be THE big moment of the trek, in many ways more important than getting to Base Camp itself. I knew that you couldn't see the summit of Everest from BC and Kala Pattar offers trekkers an unrivalled view of the highest point on this Earth. It's an optional part of the trek but I strongly urge you to make the extra 3 hour or so journey. We went up in the afternoon, which is a little different to most treks, they go early morning to see the sunrise over Everest but I much preferred the time we went. It was fairly quiet on the path up, with only one or two couples making their way up. At the top with fabulous clear skies and with wind whipping strongly around I achieved my main goal of the trip, and the view does not disappoint.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I was lucky enough to have Valerie Parkinson as Group Leader, she has such a wealth of knowledge and deep rooted love of the Himalaya that I really could not have asked for a better leader. Having been trekking in the Himalaya since I was a baby (sorry Valerie!), Valerie has as much experience as anyone and knows the paths like the back of her hand. I showed her a photo that I wanted to recreate on the trek and she knew exactly where it was on route - which wasn't that obvious. She has deep, personal connections to the land and the people of Nepal which is really nice to see, meeting the various Tea House Owners was like seeing lifelong friends reuniting to catch up after two years apart due to the Pandemic. Valerie has been there and seen it all, which was a great comfort to some trekking novices. Her passion for her job absolutely shines through. Also a special mention for our guides Khusman and Sonam, they were able to pace the group perfectly and supported us massively every single step of the way. Their energy and willingness to help is limitless and with a small group of 4 trekkers, we really became a close knit group and bonded hugely with all our guides.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Invest in a Steripen as the trip notes suggest. I was a little reluctant due to the price, but it paid for itself many times over with it's ease of use in sterilising the water so it was safe for consumption. It's so quick and easy to use (taking 90 seconds to sterilise a litre of water) I was so grateful I made the purchase. I didn't take trekking poles as I don't usually use them when trekking at home, but I purchased a cheap pole in Namche and it just helps to stabilise you on the rougher terrain and helps you channel your energy. Our Leader Valerie (another benefit of her skills!) observed that those of us without poles were exerting so much more energy than those with poles. Such are the prices at Namche (I certainly get a top of the line pole) you don't even need to fit them into your luggage home to bring them back and can donate them to others in need on the trek. Try the local dishes, if Dal Bhat is good enough to power the local people, it's good enough for everyone! I just used my camera phone for photos and videos, as opposed to taking a SLR camera, which seemed to manage the job just fine
EXCELLENT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Trip walking in Andalusia. Accommodation very good and swimming pool a great relax after the walks.
As a vegetarian I was very well catered for bye the hotel staff who went to the trouble of preparing individual meals.
Hotel staff very friendly and very helpful.
Our guide Michael was excellent.The walks at level 2 were pitched very well in terms of distance, difficulty and especially gave a very wide range of differing terrain types in the area. Michael has a VERY great knowledge of the area and very well considered, but never intrusive, health and safety precautions due to possible heat.
His arrangements for our “free day” in Seville option were very well planned and his care pre-booking entrance to the
Real and for our evening meal made the day.
Michael took similar extra care to facilitate our group walk through the Canyon Del Ray, a stunning walk.
A highly recommended trip for the accommodation, scenery, walks and our guide
Most Inspirational Moment
Relevant and detailed information from our guide and the walk through he Canyon
Thoughts on Group Leader
As above. As a guide highly recommended and sets a very high standard.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Check you have Michael as your guide !